By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South-West, Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Sam Oyadongha, John Alechenu, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Shina Abubakar, Deola Badru & Luminous Jannamike
LAGOS — The polity was astir yesterday over the persistent promise of former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to do a time period of 4 years and stop, if elected as Nigeria’s president in 2027.
Obi, who flew the flag of the Labour Occasion, LP, within the 2023 presidential ballot and got here an in depth third behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Occasion, PDP, isn’t the one one making the one time period pledge. Former Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have additionally made the promise however Obi has been re-emphasising the problem and cited international leaders who did a time period and left indelible marks in america and Britain.
In step with the zoning precept between Northern and Southern Nigeria, there have been speculations that one other Southerner succeeding President Tinubu would make South retain energy for 12 years and hurt energy rotation to the North in 2031, if President Tinubu isn’t re-elected in 2027.
Dismissing these speculations, Obi, yesterday, mentioned a real chief can flip Nigeria round in 4 years.
Stating that he’s not determined for energy, the previous Anambra governor mentioned if elected he is not going to do multiple time period of 4 years.
Obi’s promise is inflicting a stir within the polity and eliciting blended reactions. Whereas some agreed with him, some disagreed, saying he’s determined for energy.
Those that spoke on the problem embody Chairman of South-East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia), Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South), Chief Chekwas Okorie; Senator Dayo Adeyeye of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju, SWAGA; Dr. Ken Robinson, speedy previous nationwide publicity Secretary, Pan Niger Delta Discussion board, PANDEF; Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South South Reawakening Group; and Nationwide Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Events, CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh.
Award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichie; former senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, Biodun Sanya-Olu; Former Publicity Secretary PDP, South-West Ayo Fadaka; former SDP state chairman, Mr Stephen Adewale; and Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi amongst others additionally spoke on the matter.
I’m not determined for energy – Obi
Re-iterating the problem, yesterday, Obi insisted {that a} true chief can, with sincerity of objective, flip Nigeria’s fortunes round for the higher in 4 years.
He argued that if service is the motive for an individual in search of public workplace it was doable to make it occur.
Obi mentioned this in response to the verbal assaults and criticisms trailing his declaration that he would spend just one time period of 4 years in workplace, if elected president in 2027.
In a publish on his X deal with, he mentioned: “I nonetheless discover it baffling that my resolution to do a time period of 4 years, if given the mandate to rule this nation, is producing a lot agitation. By this sense, we’re doubting the truth that a honest chief can obtain a lot in 48 months.
“I’ve by no means been determined within the pursuit of energy, or anything, for that matter. There are some traits related to desperation, which by no means are in any of my political behaviours up to now and now, like participating in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to show a degree or acquire consideration; changing into overly defensive or reactive to criticism, usually to the purpose of showing paranoid.
“Making unrealistic or unfulfillable guarantees to win assist or approval, resorting to non-public assaults or character assassination to discredit opponents or ceaselessly altering positions or insurance policies to go well with speedy political wants.
“What drives me isn’t private ambition, however a deep, dedication to see Nigeria work. And if the sacrifice required of me is 4 years of honest, accountable management, so be it.
“All through my political journey, I’ve by no means been concerned in thuggery, the snatching of poll containers, or any type of electoral malpractice.
“I problem anybody: conduct your investigations. You will see no stains of rigging or violence related to my title. I’ve at all times chosen the trail of peace, precept, and civility.
“Ask those that have contested towards me—none had been ever denied their rights, framed, or falsely accused.
“None was requested to position their advert supplies or break the financial institution to take action. I imagine in truthful competitors, not manufactured victories.
“In 4 years, we are able to confront corruption head-on, redirecting assets to precedence areas. For example, the trillions used to amass new presidential jets and different pointless bills at the moment may have been channelled into training, healthcare, or infrastructure.
“Throughout the similar interval, we make sure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of regulation is strictly adopted. Throughout the similar interval, we are able to conduct free, truthful and credible elections “Management, to me, isn’t about entitlement.
It’s about service. If given the mandate, for only one time period, I’ll dedicate each second to constructing a Nigeria that works for all.”
It smacks of desperation — Okorie
The founder/first Nationwide Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, mentioned Obi’s pledge is an indication of desperation.
Okorie famous that though Obi has mentioned repeatedly that he isn’t determined for energy, his four-year single time period pledge paints a unique image within the minds of many Nigerians.
In a phone interview with Vanguard, in Abuja, Okorie mentioned: “All people is aware of how a lot energy can intoxicate the holder. If Obi or Atiku can stroll into energy from their bedrooms then they’ll additionally stroll out on their very own free will.
“However stepping into workplace with the assist and assist of individuals — a few of who can exert stress will make it unimaginable for such guarantees to be stored. We’ve got seen this earlier than. That is what occurred to President Goodluck Jonathan who it was mentioned made an identical promise to the North in 2011.
“For those who additionally bear in mind, President Obasanjo who wasn’t even certain when he’ll get out of jail, received out, grew to become president for the primary time period, began a second one and began plotting for a 3rd earlier than Nigerians stopped him.
“It’s when individuals get into workplace that you’ll start to listen to these round them say ‘any settlement or regulation which is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Structure is to the extent of its inconsistency, null, void and of no impact.
“Surely in my thoughts, Obi is a gentleman and refined sadly political energy on the highest stage in Nigeria is a unique kettle of fish altogether.”
It’s insult on our collective reminiscence – Buhari’s aide
Talking in an identical vein, Bashir Ahmed, a former media aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, in a tweet on his X deal with, mentioned: “This particular person, who couldn’t repair a dot inside a circle after two full tenures, is now attempting to persuade us that he can repair all the circle in only one time period. Isn’t that so insulting to our collective reminiscence?”
Take Obi’s pledge to the financial institution – Abaribe
Nonetheless, Senator Abaribe, mentioned: “Sure. You may take what Peter Obi says to the financial institution. He’s one of many few politicians in Nigeria that you may belief as a result of he personifies Integrity.”
One time period’s inadequate – Imasuen
On his half, Senator Neda Imasuen, who not too long ago dumped the LP for the APC, mentioned: “The promise of Mr Peter Obi to do just one tenure is kind of lofty, however I’m afraid that if he’s actually critical in serving to to resolve the issues of Nigeria, one tenure is grossly inadequate. Everyone knows the problems plaguing our nation, and I don’t see how 4 years will do the job.
“This isn’t to query the sincerity of Peter Obi as a result of he definitely means nicely, however I doubt, critically, his means to resolve our issues in 4 years, regardless of how nicely his intentions are.”
One-term pledge threatens 1999 Structure – PDP
Disagreeing with Obi, the PDP expressed issues that he could also be undermining Nigeria’s 1999 Structure together with his one-term pledge, which it described as pointless and doubtlessly dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic construction.
Talking completely to Vanguard in Abuja, PDP’s Deputy Nationwide Youth Chief, Timothy Osadolor, mentioned: “I don’t imagine such statements have a spot in a democracy, and it’s really unlucky. The Structure explicitly states that one is eligible for an eight-year tenure. Committing to only one time period and doubtlessly devaluing the method in the long term is neither modern nor one thing that ought to be inspired.”
“For those who’re working on the premise of capability, competence, and unity, then say so and let the individuals vote for you primarily based on these deserves. However attempting to hoodwink the general public by claiming, ‘I gained’t serve greater than 4 years, I gained’t go for eight years,’ is immaterial and pointless. What Nigeria wants now could be a real healer, a frontrunner, and an administrator who can information us out of the present quagmire we discover ourselves in. That’s the place our focus ought to be,” he added.
Robinson, Ambakaderimo communicate
In his response, Dr. Ken Robinson, speedy Previous Nationwide Publicity Secretary, PANDEF, mentioned: “I imagine the “one-term” message isn’t meant for all Nigerians. The sender is aware of who he’s addressing. Whether or not these people will take his promise critically is one other matter. Nonetheless, he’s not the one one making this promise; Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has additionally voiced an identical dedication.”
He’s taking part in political skit
Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South-South Reawakening Group, mentioned: “Anybody who exhibits inclination to desperation turns into suspect, he has nothing to supply, they’re simply after the attract of the workplace they search to occupy. Whoever that’s saying these candy phrases are solely placating Nigerians and taking part in on the sensibilities of Nigerians. Anybody who believes these persons are doing so to their very own peril.
It’s unlucky that some Nigerians aren’t seeing by way of these disingenuously misleading rhetorics. That is what I name taking part in the political skit, taking part in up the structure when it comes to the clamour that may emerge a lot later for the decision that the person has the constitutional proper to 2 phrases in workplace when the tenure enters the midterm. They’re attempting to be intelligent by half. In any case what can anybody obtain in 4 years in actual time in the case of governance?”
Daring step in the direction of a greater Nigeria — CUPP
Nationwide Secretary of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, in a phone interview with Vanguard, in Abuja, questioned why Mr. Obi’s public declaration of what he plans to do when given the possibility is producing such a fuss.
His phrases: “This (Obi’s) dedication, grounded in a imaginative and prescient of transformative governance, aligns with the provisions of the Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), particularly Part 135(2), which stipulates {that a} president shall serve a four-year time period from the date of taking the Oath of Allegiance and workplace. “Obi’s promise challenges the notion that Nigerian politicians are entitled to 2 phrases, emphasizing {that a} second time period isn’t a assured bonus however a privilege earned by way of democratic election.
“Peter Obi’s pledge displays a deep understanding that 48 months is adequate to put a strong basis for Nigeria’s progress. I’m very assured that Peter Obi will ship transformative outcomes inside a single time period, leveraging his confirmed monitor report to steer Nigeria towards prosperity. His dedication to fiscal self-discipline, job creation, and financial revitalization gives hope for a greater future.”
Obi not determined to be president — Chimamanda
Award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, mentioned her assist for Obi is impressed by his humility and dedication to Nigeria.
Adichie, who spoke in an interview on Channels Tv, mentioned Obi is not like many politicians who’re determined for energy.
She mentioned: “He doesn’t have to be president; he needs to be as a result of he cares about Nigeria, however he doesn’t have to be. That could be a crucial distinction.
“There are people who find themselves determined to grow to be president, not as a result of they’ve any good intentions for the nation, however due to their egos. Peter Obi isn’t an individual who expects you to thank him for doing his job as a frontrunner, as a result of to him it’s his job.
“There’s a way, I believe, in Peter Obi that he’s accountable to the individuals. He doesn’t assume that in some way, he’ll lord it over individuals.”
One-term pledgeis ‘empty speak’ – Sanya-Olu
Former senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ogun, Biodun Sanya-Olu, dismissed Peter Obi’s promise to serve just one time period if elected president in 2027 as ‘empty speak.’
In an unique interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Tuesday, Sanya-Olu criticised Obi’s political report, accusing him of persistently making guarantees he fails to maintain.
“There’s each risk that by 2031, he’ll shift the goalposts and argue for a second time period. In fact, he’ll, he’ll declare it’s his proper to hunt re-election,” Sanya-Olu mentioned.
Adeyeye, Fadaka, Adewale, Ogunsuyi, Olabisi communicate
Nationwide Chairman of SWAGA, Prince Dayo Adeyeye mentioned many issues wanted to be completed that can’t be accomplished in 4 12 months. Until you need energy for energy’s sake, 4 years isn’t sufficient,” he mentioned.
To Mr Ayo Fadaka, Former Publicity Secretary PDP, South West: “Nigeria is deeply looking for a correct presidential materials, who adequately matches the invoice, a President that’s above common intelligence that may transcend the abnormal to reinvent our beleaguered nation, a person who can have a deep understanding of his obligations as President and shall be and powerful in character to push by way of and advance the nation vigorously.
Former SDP state chairman, Stephen Adewale, mentioned: “ Peter Obi’s promise to serve just one time period if elected President in 2027 comes throughout as an indication of political desperation somewhat than a daring, strategic imaginative and prescient. We’ve seen this script earlier than. In 2011, Goodluck Jonathan made an identical vow to serve only one time period to appease northern energy brokers. However as soon as in workplace, he not solely sought re-election, however he denied ever making the promise.”
Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, a public analyst in Ekiti State, argued that “Peter Obi’s previous actions as Anambra State governor show his dedication to fulfilling guarantees. He emphasizes that his phrase is his bond and that he has a verifiable monitor report.
“Obi stresses the significance of integrity and purposeful management, suggesting that his one-term promise is rooted in a need to ship impactful change somewhat than cling to energy,” he mentioned.
On his half, Kola Olabisi, Osun APC spokesperson, mentioned: “The Labour Occasion’s President candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has additional proven his desperation to be President of Nigeria for himself and never for anyone’s good. Within the first place, what does any critical particular person intend to realize inside a single time period, both in Nigeria and even in developed democracies. Those that designed second time period have a purpose for doing so. So it’s unimaginable to realize tangible constructive change inside 4 years.”
A public affairs analyst, Henry Odeh mentioned: “Many see it as an indication of integrity and selflessness. Obi is considered by his supporters as somebody completely different from conventional politicians, they imagine he’ll preserve his phrase. His one-term pledge is being interpreted as a transfer to deal with reforms somewhat than re-election politics. Secondly, some Nigerians argue that politicians say something to win elections.
“There may be deep distrust within the political class; previous one-term guarantees. Many suspect Obi’s promise of one-term is a tactical transfer to unite fragmented opposition and reassure highly effective blocs he gained’t threaten their long-term pursuits.
“In actuality, energy dynamics and pressures from political allies may push him towards a second time period bid if he performs nicely. Nonetheless, some imagine it is perhaps a wise strategic gamble: if he fulfills main guarantees in 4 years, he secures a legacy and avoids being dragged down by the politics of re-election.
Obasanjo, Jonathan, and others made post-election guarantees that had been later reversed or ignored. Some former governors together with ex-Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola, promised to not search re-election or intrude with their successors, solely to do the alternative as a result of Nigeria’s political tradition hardly ever punishes damaged guarantees.
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